Letters to the Editors

Try to prevent the isolation of caregivers

© St. Petersburg Times, published March 14, 2001

Editor: I wish to comment on the recent slaying of an elderly woman in Beverly Hills by the husband who was not capable of handling the situation because of the constant stress of providing the care she required.

I do not agree with the idea that care is always just a phone call away for the burned-out caregiver. For the past 40 years I have worked as a professional gerontologist, and for the past six years as the pastoral care and faith in action chairman at my church. I long ago learned that the majority of the population has no idea how to get into the "wheel of services" or the local church services that are available in most communities in this country. The key to these services is public awareness and education.

This elderly man, in his concern and stress of being a constant caregiver, could not identify his own level of need of assistance. I'm sure that by his actions and comments a trained person could have seen his need for respite from his situation. Because of his wife's need for constant supervision and care, he was most likely isolated from those who could have called for help on his behalf. And unfortunately, home care service workers normally are not trained to recognize the dangerous signs of mental stress in the caregiver. The most difficult times come with darkness: Nighttime and exhaustion and dire fatigue accumulate to become a breaking point.

There are so many who fall between the cracks when it comes to getting services such as could have helped in this situation. The stress of not knowing whether services can be "afforded" and just plain not knowing what services they qualify for is an additional worry.

This sad event is not uncommon. Awareness of an aged couple, especially if one is a dementia patient, can become part of your neighbor-to-neighbor program and help avoid the isolation of an elderly caregiver. The public's awareness can help to prevent these tragic incidents. Promotion of available services and public awareness: These are the keys to prevention.
-- Anne E. Rieker, Lecanto

Congress should make budget match revenue

Editor: Re: Thurman: Tax cut puts cart before horse, March 12 Citrus Times:

Rep. Karen Thurman's "prudence" in regard to her desire to have an agreed-upon budget before "doling out tax breaks" is a far-too-typical politician's method of operating. Politicians love to set up programs first, and then figure out how to pay for them -- i.e., impose taxes.

Despite her contention that it is better to "plan first . . . like any responsible family would," I contend that a truly responsible family or business should first and foremost figure out how much income it has. Then, and only then, plan how to spend it.

The reason that politicians love to "plan" first is because, unlike the responsible family or business with finite limits on revenue, legislatures can tax and tax and tax as long as we let them. The potential for new revenue is limited only by how closely we monitor their desire to fund all things for all people.

The mix of needed projects and programs, unneeded projects and programs, altruistic projects and programs and out-and-out, special interest giveaways is a concoction that our Congress needs our constant guidance on. Our first guideline should be: "Here is how much money we are willing to let you manage for us. Now, spend only that amount and give the rest back!"
-- Thomas J. Fallon, Lecanto

Library remains a source of lifelong learning

Editor: It's a well-known but often underrated fact that libraries are part of the American dream, places for education and self-help. The library is a rare institution that offers opportunity for people of all ages and all backgrounds. From finding a job to launching a business, from researching a paper to learning about the world, libraries help people get started.

What many people don't know, however, is that libraries also are changing and dynamic places. Where else can you have access to so many print and online materials all in one place? With access to the Internet, online databases and computer training courses, the library is at the forefront of the information age. And the good news is there are still those great books and magazines you have come to expect and enjoy.

Perhaps the best-kept secret at the library is your librarian, who provides friendly, helpful guidance on finding the best source of information, whether in a book or online. It's not an overstatement to say that librarians really are the ultimate "search engine."

People and places come and go, but the library remains a source of inspiration and lifelong learning, changing and growing to meet your needs and the needs of the community.

I encourage everyone to take a moment to thank your local librarians for the wonderful services they provide and to remind your government officials that libraries are a vital resource in our society.

April 1-7 is National Library Week, a great time to see what's new at your library.
-- Flossie Benton Rogers, Library Services Director, Citrus County Library System

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